Diffusions – Playing with Words: Benedict’s Little Rule for Beginners
With Tim Oberholzer
January 28, 2025
St. Benedict’s “little rule written for beginners” invites us to grow in virtue through intentional living in the ordinariness of life. The text contains numerous themes to inspire and direct individuals and communities in the way of perfection. During these Zoom sessions, we will ponder the Rule of St. Benedict by “playing” with recurring words and themes. Each month we will examine Benedict’s weaving of a different word or theme through the Rule to gain an understanding of his intention and our application.
Examples include: time, love, work, good, life, community, care, evil, fear, guest, just/justice, prayer, and discipline.
Whether you are new to the Rule or a vowed Benedictine, the hope is that you will find deeper knowledge and practice by reflecting upon the Rule and how it speaks to your heart.
Diffusions offers online programs to further opportunities for prayer, learning, community, and spiritual growth from a Benedictine perspective. We look forward to bringing Wisdom from the Center to you, wherever you are.
Leader
Tim Oberholzer is Executive Director of the Center for Benedictine Life. In addition to managing the operations of the CBL, Tim facilitates in-person retreats and on-line programs. Tim also accompanies others as a spiritual director. Tim spent five and a half years as a Trappist monk at New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, Iowa. Deep prayer and reflection led him to leave the community prior to making solemn profession. He moved to Idaho to be closer to his parents, discovering the Monastery of St. Gertrude through a job posting for the innkeeper position at the Inn at St. Gertrude. Tim earned…
Learn more about Tim Oberholzer